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The volunteer looks at me apologetically. “Oh, I’m sorry. This event is for kids only. No adults allowed.”
I feign a dramatic pout. “Aw, shoot. I was really lookingforward to it.”
Robbie tugs on my arm. “It’s okay,” he says quickly. “We can do something else.”
But his eyes are glued to the scene in front of him.
The kids on one side of the rope cheer loudly, trying to pump themselves up. The other team, short one player, looks around hopefully.
“That team needs one more person,” the volunteer says with a smile for Robbie.
As expected, Robbie shrinks back into me with a wide-eyed look of fear.
“What if you joined that team? They could really use your help,” I suggest, crouching down to Robbie’s level.
His eyes are still wide, and he immediately shakes his head. “No, I can’t.”
“Sure, you can,” I say gently. “It’s just a game. And we’ll do the egg-and-spoon race right after, I promise.”
He hesitates, his gaze darting between me and the group of kids.
“We already waited all this time in line,” I remind him. “It’d be a shame to leave now.”
Robbie bites his bottom lip, uncertainty written all over his face.
“It’s just one game, okay?” I say, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “And I’ll be right here the whole time.”
Finally, he nods, though he looks like he’s about to be tortured.
I stand and guide him toward the kids, my heart swelling with pride at his bravery despite how scared he is.
“This is Robbie,” I say to the group, smiling. “He’s going to join your team.”
The kids cheer, happy they have their five-person team. Robbie looks nervous but manages a small smile as he takes his place at the rope.
The sight makes my chest ache in the best way.
I step back, watching as the volunteer organizes the teams and explains the rules to them.
“All right, everyone ready?” she calls.
The kids nod, gripping the rope tightly.
“On your marks, get set—pull!”
The rope stretches taut as the kids dig their heels into the grass, their faces scrunched in determination. Robbie is at the back, his small hands gripping the rope with all his strength.
“Come on, Robbie!” I cheer from the sidelines, clapping my hands.
The kids strain and pull, their team slowly gaining ground. The other team stumbles, losing their footing, and with one final heave, Robbie’s team pulls the rope acrossthe line.
“We did it!” one of the kids shouts, throwing their arms in the air.
Robbie looks up at me, his face lighting up with a shy but genuine smile.
“You were amazing!” I say, clapping as he runs back to me.
But before he can reach my side, the group of kids surrounds him.